Siberian ginseng is used in Eastern medicine, especially in China and Russia. The majority of research on this botanical has taken place in the latter country, where Siberian ginseng became a popular alternative to the more costly Asian ginseng to enhance athletic performance. Traditionally, the herb is used to boost immunity and improve cognitive function. Modern applications for Siberian ginseng include the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Like many medicines, however, Siberian ginseng may produce side effects. Ask your doctor if this herb is right for you and how to use it.
Botanical Profile
Siberian ginseng is sometimes called eleuthero, a shortened version of its botanical name of Eleutherococcus senticosus. As the first name implies, the herb is native to Siberia, as well as Japan, Korea and northern China. However, despite sharing the generic surname "ginseng," this herb is only remotely related to either Asian or American ginseng and has an entirely different chemical composition.
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Siberian ginseng is regarded as an adoptogen, meaning it strengthens immunity and resistance to daily stress. Traditionally, the herb is taken during times of physical or emotional stress to help the body cope with the physiological effects. Herbalists also recommend taking Siberian ginseng during cold weather months to help prevent cold and flu. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is clinical evidence that Siberian ginseng may enhance immune function and increase mental alertness and physical endurance. In addition, compounds in the herb appear to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks in people with herpes simplex virus type 2.
When to Take
Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon recommends that you take Siberian ginseng in the morning because the herb is stimulating. Also, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests following a rotation schedule of up to 12 weeks supplementing with Siberian ginseng and then stopping for two to three weeks, especially while dealing with chronic stress or persistent fatigue. Taking the herb for longer periods, however, warrants medical supervision.
Frequency of Dosage
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a daily dose of Siberian ginseng of between 500 and 3,000 mg dried root, consumed as capsules or prepared as tea. Alternatively, you can take 100 to 200 mg of extract standardized to contain 0.8 to 1 percent eleutherosides B and E, two times per day. The recommended dose for the tincture form of the herb is 1/2 to 1 tsp., two to three times per day.
Safety Concerns
Siberian ginseng is safe in therapeutic doses, but some people may experience headaches, vomiting, drowsiness and irregular heartbeat. This herb may also raise blood pressure and increase the effect of certain medications, including blood-thinners, medications to treat heart disease and drugs used to treat seizures and insomnia. Check with your doctor before using this herb if you have a chronic medical condition or take other medicines.
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